Dog rescuers sparked 2nd kennel raid

They didn't have authority to take other animals from Almost Heaven.

Pennsylvania SPCA's raid on Almost Heaven dog kennel Wednesday night was sparked by investigators' concerns -- but inability to act -- during the raid and seizure of 216 dogs the day before.

After a PSPCA veterinarian examined other animals at the Upper Milford Township property Wednesday, the agency seized an additional 18 cats and four dogs. PSPCA spokeswoman Kim Wolf said they were taken to the critical care unit at its Philadelphia shelter.

The state Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement shut the kennel down Tuesday after Eckhart failed to file a timely appeal of the denial of his 2009 kennel license. He was permitted to keep 25 dogs, just under the threshold requiring a kennel license, but he also had other animals, including cats, birds, monkeys, pigs. rabbits and horses, on his property. The warrant only allowed the removal of dogs, Dog Law spokesman Chris Ryder said, and his organization and the Humane Society of the United States, which ran the operation, didn't have the authority to cite Eckhart for animal cruelty.

"It was difficult to leave some of the animals behind," Ryder said. "Particularly there were some cats that were in terrible condition."

Dog Law reported its concerns to PSPCA, which has sworn agents who can act in Lehigh County. The veterinarian and PSPCA agents were accompanied by state police and a representative of the Lehigh County Humane Society, Wolf said.

She said initial reports of other animals being seized were incorrect. They didn't need immediate care, she said.

Wolf said the 22 seized animals had problems that included upper respiratory infections, severe matting and wounds.

Ryder also reported that all 216 dogs seized by HSUS Tuesday have been turned over to rescue organizations for eventual adoption. The dogs initially were taken the state Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.